Install into 00 or 02 sunfire?

[Neostar63 10+ year member]

So my buddy is trying to install an alpine headunit into his car. Well actually he is trying to get me to do it, but he said that he went to best buy and they told him he needs like a two hundred dollar piece to install the headunit into his car. They said that the door chime and all of that stuff plays through the speaker. So now he is hell bent on buying this ridiculously exspensive piece. I am not sure if he even really needs it. If he does is there a way to by pass it. Thanks for you help

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[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

it should only be $80 (GMRC-01) at the most. They may be charging him installation fee's as well though.

 

[Neostar63 10+ year member]

what exactly does that part do. I am not used to working on newer cars.

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

Alot of the newer GM cars run all sorts of electronic goodies through the HU. things like the door chime, the airbags, the alarm etc. This thing just reroutes it so that you can use an aftermarket unit to play audio. The stock radio needs to still be relocated somewhere in the car.

 

[KaeZoo 10+ year member]

The warning chimes, yes. The airbags, no. The alarm doesn't exist on a Sunfire.

Basically, there's two challenges with replacing the stock radio on a 2000+ Sunfire: the stock radio controls the warning chime system, and there's there's no accessory power wire behind the stock head unit.

If you remove the stock radio, you'll lose door chimes, "lights left on" chimes, and any other warning chime. To retain them, you either have to relocate the stock radio and keep it in the system, or replace it with a specialty module that takes its place and generates the chimes. Usually the modules have an accessory power output that lets you keep the Retained Accessory Power feature, which is what keeps your radio playing until you open the door. I'm guessing they're trying to sell you a module.

If you remove or relocate the stock radio, you'll have to find another source for accessory power. I like to use the brown wire from the key switch.

The store wants to sell you a relocation kit or module for two reasons: second, they don't want a liability problem if they get rid of your seatbelt warning chime and you forget to wear your seatbelt. First, they want to make money.

Removing the stock radio WILL NOT affect the airbag system. It would be ridiculously stupid for GM to tie airbags in with the radio in lawsuit-happy USA.

If you don't care about the warning chimes, use a Metra 70-2003 wire harness.

 

[Neostar63 10+ year member]

Well it sounds like the best bet is to just up and buy the module. Thanks for your replies.

 

[bjfish11 5,000+ posts]

you dont need the harness, as stated by kaezoo, it basically just gives you door chimes, which isnt worth $80 to me. You can get a turn on lead from many other accessories.

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

and then when your battery goes dead because you got tired and forgot your lights were left on.. then what?

 

[bjfish11 5,000+ posts]

he doesnt have auto lights in an 00?